Like the delicate paper disks seen spinning behind the credit roll for Masterpiece Theater's Little Dorrit, miniature thaumatropes are two-dimensional toys, as creative and colorful as their crafters' imagination allowed. Sizes, shape, and design all vary from one thaumatrope to another, along with the choice of image.
The Thaumatrope's Design
The original images were a popular novelty in the 1800's, a staple of Victorian paper toys. Easily made by hand or from simple designs, thaumatropes were intriguing for children of the day, with their easy construction. A bit of paper, a piece of string, an image simply drawn by hand --these were the basic materials needed to make one.
Each side bears a different, coordinating design: when the thaumatrope is spun, the images marry together, forming a single picture. Whether it's a bird in a cage (the most basic of thaumatrope designs) or a unique image like a Christmas tree and its ornaments, the same principle creates an optical illusion that still intrigues modern-day crafters.
Materials Needed:
- Two coordinating images on cardstock
- one pair of scissors
- craft glue
- thread or craft cord
- glitter or markers (for embellishment)
Making the Thaumatrope
The principle behind the thaumatrope is simple: two coordinated circular images, glued back-to-back with one image upside-down. In between them is sandwiched a piece of cord, glued in place, with equal ends on either side. Once the glue is dry, the cord is twisted, spinning the two images to create a single picture.
Variations on the method of construction are common, as are the materials used. Some artists glue the images together, then punch a small hole in either side and tie two separate cords to the image (one through each hole) with a simple loop to attach them. Cords vary from long pieces of colorful thread to lightweight straw craft twine or jewelry cords.
Cardstock is best for the image, but lightweight papers can be used since the thaumatrope is reinforced when the two are glued together. A generous layer of glue between the papers can help stiffen and support the images. Shapes also vary, from the traditional circle to a rectangle or square. Heavy thaumatropes may refuse to spin, but a steady breath of air will spin the image as merrily as twisted wire.
Finding Thaumatrope Images
A quick Google search will uncover a variety of tips and techniques behind thaumatrope discussion, as well as insights into its Victorian history. Free thaumatrope images are also available online or in easy image kits sold for assembly, including holiday-themed sets. Others can be drawn by hand or printed online (such as the bird-and-cage combination).
Decorate the finished thaumatropes using colored pencils or markers to decorate them or highlight the edges; lightly decorate the edges with glitter and glue to add a sparkly touch instead. The easy construction and novelty design makes them a perfect choice for party favors, miniature gifts, and kids crafts as well.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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